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2012 NBA Draft Player Profiles

Monday, June 11th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

28. William Buford – Senior 6-6 220lbs Ohio St. 23 years old SG/SF

Prediction: Late 1st round-early second

Strengths: William Buford is one of the few players in the draft with a mid-range game, which is a lost art when it comes to young players.  Was a four year starter at OSU and has played big in some big-time games.  Has good size for the two guard position and could get away with playing the three in certain spots.  Does a good job breaking his defender down and shooting the ball off of the bounce.

Weaknesses: Buford doesn’t get to the foul line as much as he should.  He often bails the defense out by settling for the jump shot too often.  He also showed the ability to post up smaller players in small portions in college and I feel as though he could be a more productive player if he posted more often.  Not a great defender, but I think he could become better if he puts forth the effort.

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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2012 NBA Draft Player Profiles

Monday, June 11th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

29. John Jenkins – Junior 6-4 215lbs Vanderbilt 21 years old SG/PG

2011-12 stats: 33.6 mpg, 20 ppg, 47%fg, 44%3ptfg, 83.7% ft, 3 rpg, 1.2 apg

Projection: Late 1st round

Strengths: John Jenkins is arguably the best shooter in this draft class.  He started his career out at Vanderbilt as a spot up shooter, but has progressed into much more.  His ability to come off screens and picks, get his feet set and make shots is excellent.  He shoots the ball well off the dribble, with range and accuracy.  He also has added the in-between floater to his arsenal and shoots well from the line.  He not only makes open shots, be he makes tough contested shots as well. 

Weaknesses: Isn’t much of a defender at this point.  If he puts in the effort to become one, he could be a starter on the right team.  I would also like to see him take the ball to the hoop more often and draw fouls since he is such a good free throw shooter.  Lacks ideal height at the two guard postion. 

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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2012 NBA Draft Player Profiles

Monday, June 11th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

30. Marquis Teague – Sophomore 6-2 190lbs Kentucky 19 years old

2011-12 stats: 32.6 mpg, 10 ppg, 4.8 apg, 2.7 tpg, 2.5 rpg, 41%fg, 32%3pt, 71%ft 

Projection: should go in the early 20’s

Strengths: Has elite quickness and athletic ability.  Excels in transition and has the ability to create for others and finish at the rim himself.  Has good size and weight for a point guard and at 19 years old, his body will fill out more.  Can breakdown the defender and get in the paint at will.  With his size and athletic ability, he showed flashes of being an elite defender.

Weaknesses: Needs to work on his decision making with the basketball, a issue that most young guards have.  He loves to play an up and down type of game, but will have to get better running a team in the halfcourt.  Teams played off of him because of his lack of a jump shot.  If he can ever shoot the ball consistently, like Tony Parker did….watch out. 

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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Top 60 NBA Draft Prospects

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Anthony Davis (l) & Bradley Beal (r)

 

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Well, the NFL Draft has come and gone, so it’s on to the NBA Draft for me.  Here is my initial big board of players as of today and it will be updated plenty before this year’s draft, which takes place on 6/28/12.  As the draft nears, I will release player profiles on maybe the top 20-30 players on my board.  Also, be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio hosted by Brandon Pemberton and Chris Marshall, Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive

1. Anthony Davis 6-10 220lbs SF/PF Kentucky Fr.

2. Bradley Beal 6-5 205lbs SG/PG Florida Fr.

3. Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist 6-7 215lbs SF/SG Kentucky Fr.

4. Thomas Robinson 6-9 240lbs PF Kansas Jr. 

5. Perry Jones III 6-11 235lbs PF/SF Baylor So.

6. Andre Drummond 6-11 275lbs C/PF UConn Fr.

7. Harrison Barnes 6-8 215lbs SF UNC So.

8. Jeremy Lamb 6-5 190lbs SG UConn So.

9. Arnett Moultrie 6-11 230lbs PF Miss St. Jr.

10. Jared Sullinger 6-8 275lbs PF/C Ohio St.  So.

11. Damian Lillard 6-2 190lbs PG Weber St.  Jr.

12. Austin Rivers 6-4 200lbs SG/PG Duke Fr.

13. Terrence Jones 6-8 240lbs PF/SF Kentucky So.

14. Dion Waiters 6-4 215lbs SG/PG Syracuse So.

15. Meyers Leonard 7-0 240lbs C Illinois So.

16. Kendall Marshall 6-4 190lbs PG UNC So.

17. Tyler Zeller 7-0 250lbs C UNC Sr.

18. Quincy Miller 6-9 210lbs SF Baylor Fr.

19. Terrence Ross 6-6 195lbs SG/SF Washington So.

20. Moe Harkless 6-8 220lbs SF St. John’s Fr.

21. John Henson 6-10 220lbs PF/SF UNC Jr. 

22. Andrew Nicholson 6-9 230lbs PF St. Bonaventure Sr.

23. Royce White 6-8 245lbs SF/PF Iowa St.  So. 

24. Tony Wroten Jr. 6-5 210lbs PG/SG Washington Fr. 

25. Fab Melo 7-0 25 lbs C Syracuse So.

26. Doron Lamb 6-4 195lbs SG/PG Kentucky So.

27. Festus Ezili 6-11 260lbs C Vanderbilt Sr.

28. William Buford 6-6 210lbs SG/SF Ohio St. Sr.

29. John Jenkins 6-4 200lbs SG Vanderbilt Jr. 

30. Marquis Teague 6-2 190lbs PG Kentucky Fr.

31. Tyshawn Taylor 6-3 190lbs PG Kansas Sr.

32. Jeff Taylor 6-7 225lbs SF Vanderbilt Sr.

33. Will Barton 6-6 170lbs SG Memphis So.

34. Draymond Green 6-6 235lbs SF/PF Mich St.  Sr.

35. Kevin Jones 6-8 240lbs PF West Va. Sr.

36. Darius Miller 6-8 225lbs SF/SG Kentucky Sr.

37. Scott Machado 6-1 185lbs PG Iona Sr.

38. Mike Scott 6-9 240lbs PF Virginia Sr.

39. Herb Pope 6-8 255lbs PF Seton Hall Sr.

40. JaMychal Green 6-9 230lbs PF Alabama Sr.

41. Jae Crowder 6-6 225lbs SF Marquette Sr.

42. Henry Sims 6-10 242lbs Georgetown Sr. 

43. Khris Middleton 6-7 220lbs Texas A&M Jr.

44. Jared Cunningham 6-5 195lbs Oregon St. Jr.

45. Marcus Denmon 6-3 SG/PG Missouri Sr.

46. Quincy Acy 6-7 230lbs PF/SF Baylor Sr.

47. Kim English 6-6 200lbs SG/SF Missouri Sr.

48. Robert Sacre 6-11 260lbs C Gonzaga Sr.

49. Drew Gordon 6-8 235lbs PF New Mexico Sr.

50. Rakim Sanders 6-6 220lbs SF/SG Fairfield Sr.

51. Ricardo Ratliffe 6-8 240lbs PF Missouri Sr.

52. Yancy Gates 6-9 255lbs PF/C Cincinnati Sr.

53. Kris Joseph 6-7 230lbs SF Syracuse Sr.

54. Bradford Burgess 6-6 215lbs SF/SG VCU Sr.

55. Ramone Moore 6-4 190lbs SG Temple Sr.

56. Darius Johson-Odom 6-2 215lbs SG/PG Sr.

57. Zack Rosen 6-2 185lbs PG Pennsylvania Sr.

58. Garrett Stutz 7-0 255lbs Wichita St. Sr.

59. Miles Plumlee 6-11 240lbs C/PF Duke Sr.

60. Maalik Wayns 6-0 205lbs PG Villanova Jr.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top Remaining Prospects Going Into Rounds 4-7

Saturday, April 28th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports

The first three rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft are now in the books and rounds 4-7 are today starting at 12 noon.  I have given you my top 100 prospects going into the draft, then I gave you my top 32 going into rounds 2 and 3, and now I will give you the top remaining prospects left on my original board of 100. 

Listen to Sports Trap Radio this morning from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as Chris Marshall and myself recap the NFL Draft and preview the NBA playoffs.  Feel free to call in at 267-519-1111.

I had Lamar Miller as the 31st ranked prospect in the draft, a possible late 1st to early 2nd round selection, but he's still on the board after three rounds. Check this list out and see who else is available going into rounds 4-7.

 

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

55. Chris Polk RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

64. Alemda Ta’amu NT/DT 6-2 1/2 348lbs Washington

65. Kirk Cousins QB 6-3 215lbs Michigan St.

67. Ronnell Lewis OLB/DE 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

71. Nigel Bradham OLB 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

73. Brandon Boykin CB 5-9 182lbs Georgia

76. Ladarius Green TE 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette

77. Jonathan Massaquoi DE/OLB 6-2 264lbs Troy

82. Josh Norman CB 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina

84. Vontaze Burfict 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

86. B.J. Cunningham WR 6-1 211lbs Michigan St.

88. Ron Brooks CB 5-10 190lbs LSU

92. James Brown OG 6-3 1/2 Troy

93. Marvin McNutt WR 6-3 215lbs

94. Vic Ballard RB 5-11 219lbs Miss St.

95. Andrew Datko OT 6-6 315lbs Florida St.

96. Antonio Allen S 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

97. Tauren Poole RB 5-10 205lbs Tennessee

99. Markelle Martin S 6-0 207lbs Okla St.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 32 On The Board After Round 1

Friday, April 27th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Round 1 of the 2012 NFL Draft was last night and there were some surprises.  Here are the top 32 rated players left on my board going into the second and third rounds:

Janoris Jenkins is arguably the best cover corner in this draft. While in the SEC, he shut down the likes of Julio Jones, A.J. Green, and Reuben Randle in 2010. His off the field issues has him still on the board going into round two.

 

12. Cordy Glenn OG/OT 6-6 345lbs Georgia

13. Janoris Jenkins CB 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

20. Jonathan Martin OT 6-5 312lbs Stanford

23. Coby Fleener TE 6-6 247lbs Stanford

25. Courtney Upshaw DE?OLB 6-2 271lbs Alabama

26. Andre Branch DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Clemson

27. Jerel Worthy DT 6-2 310lbs Michigan St. 

28. Devon Still DT 6-5 303lbs Penn St.

29. Lavonte David OLB 6-1 233lbs Nebraska

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

33. Reuben Randle WR 6-3 210lbs LSU

34. Kendall Reyes DT 6-4 300lbs UConn

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

40. Derek Wolfe DT 6-5 295lbs Cincinnati

42. Nick Foles QB 6-5 243lbs Arizona

43. Brandon Thompson DT 6-2 311lbs Clemson

45. Dwayne Allen TE 6-3 255lbs Clemson

46. Mike Adams OT 6-7 323lbs Ohio St.

47. Peter Konz C 6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

49. Alshon Jeffrey 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

51. Vinny Curry DE/OLB 6-3 266lbs Marshall

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia 

53. Casey Hayward CB 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt

54. Trumaine Robinson CB 6-2 204lbs Montana

55. Chris Polk RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

56. Brandon Taylor S 5-11 202lbs LSU

57. LaMicheal James 5-8 194lbs Oregon

58. Brock Osweiler QB 6-7 242lbs Arizona St.

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

60. Josh Robinson CB 5-10 200lbs UCF

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft Final Big Board: Top 100 Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL Draft is tonight and after my scouting and evaluation, here is my final list of the top 100 prospects in this draft.  Also listen to our special NFL Draft version of sports talk radio tonight, as I will join my War Room Sports family from 7pm-9pm on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewarroom/2012/04/26/2012-nfl-draft-special-ep-90 , to preview and breakdown the draft live.  Also listen to Sports Trap Radio on Saturday from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as we will go over the first three rounds of the draft and preview the final day of the draft.

1. Matt Kalil OT 6-6 306lbs USC

2. Trent Richardson RB 5-9 228lbs Alabama

3. Morris Claiborne CB 5-11 188lbs LSU

4. Robert Griffin III QB 6-2 1/2 223lbs Baylor

5. Andrew Luck QB 6-4 234lbs Stanford

6.Fletcher Cox DT/DE 6-4 298lbs Miss St.

7. Mark Barron S 6-1 213lbs Alabama

8.Quinton Coples DE 6-6 284lbs UNC

9. Micheal Brockers DT 6-5 322lbs LSU

10. Riley Rieff OT 6-6 313lbs Iowa

11. Justin Blackmon WR 6-1 207lbs Okla St.

12. Cordy Glenn OG/OT 6-6 345lbs Georgia

13. Janoris Jenkins CB 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

14. David DeCastro OG 6-5 313lbs Stanford

15. Micheal Floyd WR 6-2 223 lbs Notre Dame

16. Luke Kuechely ILB 6-2 242lbs Boston College

17.Stephon Gilmore CB 6-0 190lbs South Carolina

18. Dont’a Hightower ILB 6-2 265lbs Alabama

19. Nick Perry DE 6-3 270lbs USC 

20. Jonathan Martin OT 6-5 312lbs Stanford

21. Kendall Wright WR 5-10 196lbs Baylor

22. Melvin Ingram DE/OLB 6-1 272 South Carolina

23. Coby Fleener TE 6-6 247lbs Stanford

24. Dre Kirkpatrick CB 6-1 5/8 Alabama

25. Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB 6-1 5/8 271lbs Alabama

26. Andre Branch DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Clemson

27. Jerel Worthy DT 6-2 310lbs Michigan St. 

28. Devon Still DT 6-5 303lbs Penn St.

29. Lavonte David OLB 6-1 233lbs Nebraska

30. Harrison Smith S 6-2 213lbs Notre Dame

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

32. Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Illinois

33. Reuben Randle WR 6-3 210lbs LSU

34. Kendall Reyes DT 6-4 300lbs UConn

35. Shea McClellin OLB/DE 6-3 260lbs Boise St.

36. Chandler Jones DE/OLB 6-6 266lbs Syracuse

37. David Wilson RB 5-10 206lbs Va. Tech

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

39. Doug Martin RB 5-9 223lbs Boise St.

40. Derek Wolfe DT 6-5 298lbs Cincinnati

41. Kevin Zeitler OG 6-4 314lbs Wisconsin

42. Nick Foles QB 6-5 243lbs Arizona

43.  Brandon Thompson DT 6-2 311lbs Clemson

44. Brandon Weeden QB 6-3 223lbs Okla St.

45. Dwayne Allen TE 6-3 255lbs Clemson

46. Mike Adams OT 6-7 323lbs Ohio St.

47. Peter Konz C  6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

48. Ryan Tannehill QB  6-4 221lbs Texas A&M

49. Alshon Jeffrey WR 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

50. Dontari Poe NT/DT 6-4 345lbs Memphis

51. Vinny Curry DE/OLB 6-3 266lbs Marshall

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

53. Casey Hayward CB 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt

54. Trumaine Robinson CB 6-2 204lbs Montana

55. Chris Polk RB RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

56. Brandon Taylor S 5-11 202lbs LSU

57. LaMicheal James RB 5-8 194lbs Oregon

58. Brock Osweiler QB 6-7 242lbs Arizona St. 

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

60. Josh Robinson CB 5-10 200lbs UCF 

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

63. Mychal Kendricks ILB 5-11 240lbs Cal

64. Alameda Ta’amu NT/DT 6-2 1/2 348lbs Washington

65. Kirk Cousins QB 6-3 215lbs Michigan St. 

66. Micheal Engew TE 6-5 2522lbs Missouri 

67. Ronnell Lewis OLB/DE 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

68. Brandon Brooks OG/OT 6-5 353lbs Miami(OH)

69. Ryan Broyles WR 5-10 192lbs Oklahoma

70. Jeff Allen OG 6-4 303lbs Illinois

71. Nigel Bradham OLB 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

72. Mike Martin DT 6-1 308lbs Michigan

73. Brandon Boykin CB 5-9 182lbs Georgia

74. Amini Silatolu OG 6-4 311lbs Midwestern St.

75. A.J. Jenkins WR 6-0 191lbs Illinois

76. Ladarius Green TE 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette

77. Jonathan Massaquoi DE/OLB 6-2 264lbs Troy

78. Mohamed Sanu WR 6-1 1/2  215lbs Rutgers

80. Mitchell Schwartz OT 6-6 318lbs Cal

81. Zach Brown OLB 6-1 244lbs UNC

82. Josh Norman CB 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina

83. Bruce Irvin OLB 6-3 245lbs West Virginia

84. Vontaze Burfict ILB 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

85. Kelechi Osemele OG 6-5 1/2 333 Iowa St.

86. B.J. Cunningham WR 6-1 211lbs Michigan St.

87. Sean Spence OLB 5-11 230lbs Miami

88. Ron Brooks CB 5-10 190lbs LSU

89. Bernard Pierce RB 6-0 218lbs Temple

90. Donald Stevenson OT 6-5 1/2 311 lbs Oklahoma

91. Demario Davis OLB Arkansas St. 6-2 235lbs

92. James Brown OG 6-3 1/2 Troy

93. Marvin McNutt WR 6-3 215lbs Iowa

94. Vic Ballard RB 5-11 219lbs Miss St.

95. Andrew Datko OT 6-6 315lbs Florida St.

96. Antonio Allen S 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

97. Tauren Poole RB 5-10 205lbs Tennessee

98. Isiah Pead RB 5-10 197lbs Cincinnati

99. Markelle Martin S 6-0 207lbs Okla St.

100. Tony Bergstrom OG 6-5 313lbs Utah

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Cornerback Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

This year’s group of corners is a talented group of players.   I predict about 4-6 of them to be off of the board in the first two rounds.  Here is the list of my top 5 and an additional 5 to look out for in later rounds.

1. Morris Claiborne 5-11 188lbs LSU

Strengths: Has great technique, smooth hips, great footwork, and ball skills.  Isn’t the athlete that his former teammate Patrick Peterson is, but he has better natural corner skills.  He is able to be left on an island by himself and he can handle top flight WR’s on his own.  Also has Kick and Punt Return Skills as well. 

Weaknesses: Is kind of thin, but seems to have a frame that he can add good weight to.  Is willing to tackle in the run game, but I would like to see better form with his tackling. I’ve seen him duck his head down often to tackle players.

Grade: Top 3-5 pick

2. Janoris Jenkins 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

Strengths: Is a shade behind Claiborne when it comes to natural cornerback skills and ability.  He’s that good.  Was a three year starter and one of the best corners in the SEC before being kicked off the team.  Is equally effective in press man coverage or off of the line.  Has great anticipation skills, similar to that of Asante Samuel.  Has experience running kickoffs and punts, returned 3 for TD’s this past season.

Weaknesses: His off the field troubles are what’s keeping him from being drafted in the top 15 of this draft.  It’s the only thing that’s scares teams and has him going in the 2nd or third round.

Grade: Mid First round

3. Stephon Gilmore 6-0 190lbs South Carolina 

Strengths: Is a good press coverage corner, uses his long arms to his advantage at the line of scrimmage and displays good hips and footwork.  Has great speed and catch up speed.  Is a willing tackler in the run game.  Has been a starter from day one as a true freshman.

Weaknesses: Isn’t as good when playing off when he’s in press or right at the line of scrimmage.  Can get sloppy with his technique at times and get beat with double moves.

Grade: Mid First Round

4. Dre Kirkpatrick 6-2 185lbs Alabama

Strengths: Very physical corner, is at his best when playing zone coverage.  Instincts and play recognition has gotten better from sophomore to junior seasons.  Is a good tackler, not afraid to put a hat on a ball carrier and deliver a blow.  He will be a perfect fit on a team with a zone based scheme.  He really reminds me of Charles Tillman from the Chicago Bears.

Weaknesses: Isn’t much of a man corner.  Doesn’t display the natural man cover ability, hips, and footwork.  Doesn’t have great hands or ball skills, drops potential interceptions or knocks balls down instead of going for the pick.

Grade: Late First round

5. Casey Hayward 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt 

Strengths: Does a great job reading the quarterback and playing the ball in zone coverage.  He’s at his best in the zone, would be a fit for a team that runs a lot of cover 2 and 3.  Isn’t a knockout artist, but he’s a willing tackler.  Gets his hands on a lot of passes.

Weaknesses: Isn’t great in man coverage, has problems keeping up with elite speed downfield.  Doesn’t have great change of direction skills and gets beat often. 

Grade: Mid 2nd round pick

Next 5: Trumaine Robinson 6-2 204lbs Montana, Josh Robinson 5-10 199lbs UCF, Josh Norman 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina, Brandon Boykin 5-9 182lbs Georgia, Ron Brooks 5-10 190lbs LSU

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Safety Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Nowadays with the passing game being so big in the NFL, having a safety that can cover man to man at times and in zone is key to having an elite defense.  This year’s class of safeties is more top heavy, I expect two at the most to get picked in the first two rounds of the draft.  As always I will give you my top 5 and an additional 5 to look out for.

1. Mark Barron 6-1 211lbs Alabama

Strengths: The total package at safety.  Clearly the best prospect at his position on the board.  Has great size, speed and agility.  Is a fearless hitter, will knock out defenders coming across middle or will take on a running back head on in the hole.  Has the instincts you look for from a safety.  Will do a great job matching up with tight ends in coverage due to his strength and size.

Weaknesses: Can struggle in man coverage against smaller and quick WR’s. 

Grade: Top Ten pick

2. Harrison Smith 6-1 215lbs Notre Dame

Strengths: Big time hitter, great playing up in the box and stopping the run.  Has good cover skills, does a nice job man to man on TE’s.  Has played some strong side linebacker during his time in college as well.  Can come right in and start at strong safety from day one.  Has the instincts and experience to do so.

Weaknesses: Would like to see him make more plays on the ball than he did in his final season.  Has okay agility, but not good enough to man up with slot receivers.

Grade: Late first round

3. Brandon Taylor 5-11 202lbs LSU

Strengths: One of my favorite players in this draft, he is going to be a real good pick for a team in possibly the early third round.  He is a perfect fit for a team who runs a cover two or cover 3 based scheme.  Makes up for what he lacks in quickness with smarts, pre-play reads, and great instincts.  He brings the ruckus when he hits a ball carrier, very physical presence on the field.

Weaknesses: Lacks the elite speed to be kept back as a single high safety in the NFL.  Is more effective in zone coverage than man to man.  His hips and change of direction ability isn’t good enough to play a lot of man coverage.

Grade: Late Early third round

4. Antonio Allen 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

Strengths:  Is at his best playing in the box near the line of scrimmage, played the rover position in the Gamecocks defense.  Is a good blitzer, shows good timing and finds the open lane to get pressure on the QB.  Is effective against the run, does a nice job making tackles one on one against ball carriers.  I can see him playing Strong Safety in the NFL in the box or playing 1/2 of the field in a cover 2 scheme.

Weaknesses: Can be exposed in man coverage, is best suited in the zone.  Lacks top level speed.  Has been beat on two separate occasions on flea flickers, he got caught looking in the backfield.

Grade: 4th round

5. Markelle Martin 6-0 207lbs Oklahoma St.

Strengths:  Will be a free safety at the next level, has the range and speed to play a one high role.  Got his hands on plenty of balls during his final season, but dropped more than he caught (3 INT’s).  Is a willing tackler, does a good job of wrapping up and bringing the ball carrier down.

Weaknesses: His man to man coverage skills need work.  Needs to use better angles when pursuing the ball in the air.

Grade: 4th round

Next 5: George Iloka 6-4 225lbs Boise State, Charles Mitchell 5-11 202lbs Miss St., Brandon Hardin 6-3 222lbs Oregon St., Kelcie McCray 6-2 202lbs Arkansas St., Justin Bethel 5-11 200lbs Presbyterian 

Next up: Top 5 Cornerbacks

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Outside Linebacker Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Here is the list of my top outside linebackers in the 2012 draft.  Some fit as Will linebacker (weakside in a 4-3), some a Sam Backer (Strong side in a 4-3) and some can play the Strong Side stand up linebacker in a 3-4 base.

1. Lavonte David 6-0 235lbs Nebraska

Strengths: Very instinctive linebacker, reads run vs the pass quickly and makes plays.  Does a nice job of slipping under and between blocks to make tackles in the run game.  Is excellent in pass coverage whether it’s man or zone, has the ability to make tackles in space on a regular basis.  Will be a “Will” linebacker in the 4-3.  Does a good job covering RB’s out of the backfield.

Weaknesses: Can get blown up at the point of attack by tight ends and fullbacks in the run game.  Has good cover skills, but tight ends have an advantage in jump ball situations because of his height.

Grade: Late 1st-Early 2nd round

2. Shea McClellin 6-3 260lbs Boise St.

Strengths: Has nice size to play the strong side linebacker in a 3-4 and 4-3.  Has a body type similar to that of former NFL pro bowler Willie McGinest, and similar skills.  Has 16.5 sacks over the last two seasons in college and shows the ability to get to the QB.

Weaknesses: For a player his size, he should be better at the point of attack in the run game.  Is blown off the ball way too often for my liking.  Just like other DE’s making the conversion to linebacker, can he cover?

Grade: 2nd round

3. Ronnell Lewis 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

Strengths: Lined up at defensive end for the Sooners and is attempting to make the transition to OLB, whether in a 4-3 or 3-4.  Has good strength at the point of attack, holds the edge well, uses his hands to disengage blockers and make plays.

Weaknesses: Can he make the transition to playing a traditional linebacker position?  He has good numbers in the 40 and agility drills, but does that translate to the field?  He’s shown some pass rush ability, but not at an elite level.  Will he show the awareness and cover skills to play in zone and man against tight ends and running backs?

Grade: 3rd round

4. Nigel Bradham 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

Strengths: Is at his best when covered by the defensive line and allowed to flow and make plays.  Has elite speed and agility and uses it in pass coverage, does a nice job covering his zone and sticking with backs on pass routes.  At times he shows great football instincts and the ability to figure out the play and blow it up.

Weaknesses: For his weight, he doesn’t  take on and defeat blocks as he should.  He also loses play discipline at times and is out of position when a team runs a counter or reverse. 

Grade: Mid 3rd round

5. Zach Brown 6-1 244lbs UNC

Strengths: Is one of the best athletes overall in the draft.  Ran track at UNC and set the school record in the 60 meter dash at his size.  Has all the physical abilities to be a playmaker at the next level.  Is exceptional at making plays in the open field against the pass.

Weaknesses: Lacks the natural instincts at the linebacker position.  At times he’s like a chicken with its head cut off out there on the field.  Used his speed to make up for it in college, but won’t get away with it in the NFL.  Gets killed at the point of attack when taking on lead blocks.

Grade: Late 3rd- Early 4th round

Next 5: Bruce Irvin 6-3 245lbs West Virginia, Sean Spence 5-11 230lbs Miami, Keenan Robinson 6-3 242lbs Texas, Travis Lewis 6-1 248lbs, Demario Davis 6-2 235lbs Arkansas St.

Next up: Top 5 Safeties 

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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